Jose Mourinho delighted with 23-year-old Spaniard as Real Madrid’s backup option – report

Real Madrid have started very well under Jose Mourinho, securing victories in five of their six games so far, with the Real Betis game the only exception.

The Portuguese tactician has done a very good job of rotating the players at his disposal, and one such area is left-back.

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Alvaro Carreras has responded to increased competition at Real Madrid in exactly the way Jose Mourinho would have wanted.

Rather than allowing Marc Cucurella‘s arrival to push him into the background, the left-back has used his opportunity to remind the manager that he remains a serious option.

According to AS, Mourinho has complete confidence in Carreras when required and was already delighted by his professionalism and performances during pre-season.

His display against Rayo Vallecano has only strengthened that trust further.

Carreras takes his opportunity with both hands

Carreras produced one of his most complete performances for Madrid, playing a major role in the victory at the Bernabeu.

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He won the penalty converted by Kylian Mbappe before scoring Madrid’s second himself, reacting sharply to a loose ball and finishing calmly after combining inside the penalty area.

Alvaro Carreras has responded brilliantly to Marc Cucurella’s arrival. (Photo by Christian Bruna/Getty Images)

His influence went beyond those decisive moments. Carreras created three chances, completed both of his attempted dribbles, made three recoveries and three clearances, won three tackles and came out on top in six of his eight duels.

He also completed 54 passes at an 88% success rate and recorded 90 touches, showing how involved he was throughout the match.

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The performance was not necessarily a surprise to Mourinho.

The Madrid coach was impressed by Carreras throughout pre-season, particularly by his attitude and professionalism while the squad gradually came together following the World Cup.

Mourinho even experimented with him in a more advanced position, another indication that he sees useful qualities beyond conventional left-back duties.

Competition with Cucurella can benefit Madrid

Mourinho needs to manage minutes between Cucurella and Carreras. (Photo by Fran Santiago/Getty Images)

Cucurella may currently have the advantage for Madrid’s biggest matches because of his defensive reliability, but Carreras has shown why Mourinho should not view the position as settled.

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That is exactly the type of internal competition Madrid need.

Carreras offers energy, powerful forward running and genuine attacking threat. Cucurella provides a different profile and greater defensive security.

Mourinho can choose according to the opponent rather than simply searching for one permanent solution.

Carreras did not have the greatest first season at Madrid, but his second year at the club seems to have started very well.

He has shown Cucurella that he is no pushover at left-back, and it remains to be seen how Mourinho manages their minutes through the course of the campaign.